The planning committee for the 2005 Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show, to be held Dec. 6 to 8 in Columbus, Ohio, recently announced changes to this popular industry event. The annual conference and trade show is in its 39th year as a regional conference and marketplace for professional turfgrass managers.
The most noticeable change this year is the conference schedule. Traditionally a four-day event, the 2005 Conference & Show has been shortened to just 3 days. “We have learned from surveying our exhibitors and attendees that most of our participants prefer a shorter schedule, thus reducing expenses for meals and accommodations,” said Show Manager Kevin Thompson. “After extensive review of the schedule, we determined that we could shorten the event without sacrificing the educational opportunities or trade show time. It may mean longer days for those who want to take advantage of all the offerings, but the new schedule allows participants to start the work week in the office Monday, and return to the office on Friday. It also means one less day away from family, which is important, especially around the holidays.”
Approximately 250 leading turfgrass suppliers will display the latest products and services available in turf management, making the Ohio Turfgrass event the largest show of its kind in the country. In addition to the three-day exhibition, there are more than 90 hours of educational sessions covering a broad spectrum of turf management topics.
The new schedule also affects the timing of the popular keynote speech. Historically held on the Wednesday morning of the event, this year’s Keynote will be presented Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 5 p.m. The Keynote Speech, featuring Olympic Wrestling Gold Medalist Rulon Gardner, signals the unofficial opening of the conference and show. A welcome reception on the trade show floor, sponsored by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, follows the keynote speech.
The revised conference program includes a new series of seminars addressing organic lawn and landscape management. Also, “The Business of Snow Removal” is a new panel discussion that will be offered for the first time for those lawn and landscape contractors who are turning to snow and ice management as a source of off-season revenue. For the second year, the United States Golf Association (USGA) plans to hold its regional conference in conjunction with OTF. It will take place Thursday, Dec. 8 from 8 am to noon.
More than 4,000 golf course superintendents, athletic field managers, lawn care operators, landscapers, groundskeepers, sod growers, and other turfgrass professionals are expected to attend the event. The Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show is sponsored by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, The Ohio State University, Ohio State University Extension, and Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center (OARDC).
For detailed information about the conference or trade show, please contact the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation at 888/683-3445 or visit www.OhioTurfgrass.org.